A fiberglass pool is factory-manufactured and then installed in one piece in
your back yard when your excavation is completed. Basically, a fiberglass pool
resembles a giant bathtub.

Points to Ponder:

Price: Fiberglass pools are generally more
expensive to purchase than concrete inground pools, but can save you money over
the life of the pool. This is because they typically will require fewer
chemicals than concrete pools. You also avoid future replastering and liner
replacement costs. Maintenance: Unlike a plaster finish, a fiberglass shell does not change
the chemistry of the water, so you often will use less acid. Because of the
non-porous surface, you don't need to brush the pool nearly as often as a
plaster-finished concrete pool. However, you typically do not need to brush a
pebble-finish concrete pool as often as a plaster-finish pool, so when
discussing this option with a dealer, be sure you are comparing apples to
apples.Installation: Once your yard has been excavated, the pool is delivered in
one piece and installed. Construction time is generally about two weeks. Shock absorbent: What happens if the earth moves? Fiberglass has a
shock-absorbing ability that allows it to flex up to 2 feet. However, there also
are new concrete construction techniques that allow concrete to flex. So, it's
important to remember that if you live in an earthquake-prone area, be sure to
have your dealer explain the features and benefits of fiberglass and concrete
construction.

~Concrete gunnite or shotcrete Inground Pools~

A concrete pool is custom-built to your specifications by the
Atlanta Georgia pool-builder you choose. It is the most common type of in-ground
pool, and the initial installation generally costs less than a fiberglass
pool. Concrete pools are constructed in stages, including pool layout and
excavation; steel installation; plumbing installation; equipment set; gunnite or shotcrete application; tile and coping installation; and interior
finish installation. Although they take longer than fiberglass pools to
construct, they have the advantage of virtually unlimited shapes, sizes and
designs. The construction time on a concrete pool is generally three to 12
weeks.

Points to Ponder

Price: The initial installation of a concrete pool is generally less
than a fiberglass inground pool. So, if you want an in-ground, but the total
up-front outlay is of concern to you, a concrete pool might best fit your
needs. Variety of Finishes: A variety of interior finishes is available,
including plaster, paint or pebbles. These provide you with several options
to best suit your budget and desired design. Weather Resistant: Some industry specialists believe that concrete
pools are well-suited to parts of the country that have extremely high
summer-time temperatures. Concrete also is perceived by some to function
better in areas where the soil is very expansive. Strength: Both fiberglass and concrete are materials of great
strength. Talk to your dealer or builder about the implications of your soil
type and weather on both types of materials.

~Vinyl-Liner In ground Pools~

A vinyl-liner pool is furnished to the installer in kit form. After
excavation, the panel walls are bolted or fastened together and supported at the
bottom by a concrete footing. The vinyl liner is spread over the interior of the
pool and covers the excavated floor and paneled walls. It is connected to the
top of the panel walls by a vinyl rib at the outside edge of the liner. Be sure
to ask your liners generally have to be replaced in your area of the country.
Construction time for vinyl-liner pools is typically one to three weeks.

Points to Ponder

Weather: Vinyl-liner pools are popular in cold-weather
areas of the country. These pools can be easily winterized by draining them down
and covering them until the spring. Smooth Surface: The vinyl liner is smooth and nonporous, making stain
removal easy if stains are treated promptly.

~Other Things To Think About ~

Important laws regarding safety must be considered before choosing your new
pool. Specific regulations vary with each community, so be sure you
are clear about the letter of the law before installation begins. There are
myriad other options and accessories available to complete your backyard retreat. Once you've decided on the pool type and style best suited to
your needs,

Be sure to ask about the following:

Covers: A pool cover can be a wonderful addition to your
pool and/or spa area, and one of their main benefits can be increased safety.
Covers come in many varieties and can extend the swimming season of your pool by
several weeks by retaining the solar heat that is generated each day. Also, if
you live in a highly wooded area, they can be used to keep leaves and other
debris out of your pool. Many covers come in automatic or manual versions. Heaters: Pool heaters come in many shapes and sizes. In milder climes,
you can enjoy year-round swimming by adding a heater to your pool set-up. Filters: There also are many types of pool filters designed to meet the
particular needs of your pool. Your dealer or builder can help you choose the
one right for you. Cleaners and Water Levelers: From automatic inground cleaning systems
that you just "set and forget" to jazzy, high-tech pool vacs that literally
climb your pool walls, there are a variety of systems available to help you keep
your pool sparkling clean. If you're the type who likes to splash and dash,
you'll certainly be interested in learning more about automatic water levelers
that keep the water level in your pool at just the right setting.